7.30 pm Friday January 16th 2026

Valentine was Royal Correspondent on The Times for over 20 years and has a peerless knowledge of the Royal Family and its workings.

With the departure of both Harry and Meghan and the disgraced Prince Andrew from royal life, the complex relationship between modern courtiers and royal principals has been exposed to global scrutiny.

William and Kate - equipped with a very 21st Century approach to Press and public relations - now hold the responsibility of making an ancient institution relevant for the decades to come.

Over the years, Valentine has revealed how the Royal Family really operates and asked the important questions - who really runs the show and what will happen next? A vast team of people, hidden from view, steers the Royal Family's path between public duty and private life. The question of who is entrusted to guide the royals has never been more vital - and the task those courtiers face has never been more challenging.

In his book, Courtiers, Valentine revealed an ever-changing web of complex characters, shifting values and ideas over what the future of the institution should be. It is the story of how the monarchy really works at a pivotal moment in its history.

In addition to writing about the monarchy, Valentine has chronicled life on his allotment in London, featured in his book One Man and His Dig which was described as a "guidebook for green-fingered urbanites". He has also had a column on the art of playing poker.





If you are interested in attending this talk or would like to reserve a ticket please Contact us

(Children over 16 welcome) Entry is £10 in cash and includes free food, featuring delicious sandwiches and sumptuous rocky-roads., with wine and soft drinks available for a modest donation